Subject: Vaccines and immunization Publication date: All

The January 2004 issue of PATH's programmatic newsletter focuses on five projects: preventing HIV and AIDS in the Philippines, evaluating a malaria vaccine candidate, increasing youth access to services through pharmacies, advancing the Ultra Rice technology, and using theater to encourage social change.

This short film shows how simple screening tests and community mobilization are saving lives across India. And how Costa Rican scientists—and young female volunteers—are helping us understand the exciting potential of a new vaccine against human papillomavirus.

The GEOVAC software application is a tool designed to help personnel of regional level centers of public health and the National Center for Disease Control in Georgia process a large flow of immunization-related data in much less time than the previous (manual) system. This document illustrates GEOVAC functions, relating them to the features of the upgraded Georgian immunization information system and demonstrating what it can offer immunization managers in the decision making process. It is designed primarily for policymakers in countries planning to strengthen their immunization and/or surveillance systems, donor organizations that can support such reforms, and agencies working in these technical areas.

Final report from PATH to USAID Jakarta for the ASUH or Healthy Start for a Healthy Life program. From 2000-2003, PATH, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and other partners, galvanized the participation of communities and the health system in four of Indonesia's districts.

This document can be adapted for specific national programs. In addition to key technical content--including sections on using monovalent, quadrivalent, or pentavalent Hib vaccine formulations--it features quizzes, role plays and creative ideas for trainers. One of the appendices is a handout for parents.

This comprehensive assessment of the Georgian vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance system identifies major problems in the Georgian health system that limit the ability of current surveillance efforts to provide quality information to guide public health actions.

Childhood immunization is a major public health concern in Cambodia. A study of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of communities and health workers was conducted to identify barriers to immunization and inform future information, education, and communication strategies.